Grandeur Peak East Trail from Church Fork

Grandeur Peak East Trail from Church Fork is a 5.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Salt Lake City, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Such a great morning to be on Grandeur. This was my first time up the backside and it was nice and gradual compared to the steep climbs on the valley face. Lots of friendly people on the trail and the dog owners were very respectful (much appreciated). I used spikes for the last 1/4 mile, more just to use them as I lugged them up there, and are not necessary but helpful. Arrived at the summit 10 min before sunrise for some great pics of the sun peaking it's head out. Great views

Went up early afternoon, south facing slopes are slushy and got my socks wet but no big deal, spikes would be useful on the last 100 yards of the summit but not necessary. Otherwise fun hike w/ great views

Nice hike. I was surprised by a large group of Ultra Marathon runners running for the RUFA 2018 run. Very nice group of extreme runners. Trail was icy and snowy up top and spikes were definitely needed. Took me 1:40 to reach Peak

Keith S.

hiking

1 month ago

Good hike 2/10/18. Little bit of snow, cloudy, lots of trail runners. Microspikes handy. Saw numerous people slipping and falling on their ass.

Did this hike 4 days ago and the ice was minimal, although there were a few sections where spikes were a godsend (esp on the way down). Gorgeous views, as always, but this was my first time doing any kind of winter summit so I was extra stoked. Beautiful views at the top!!

Olivia R.

Very good route. Had modest snow and ice. Have read that this is EASY, and read that this is MODERATE. Based on current conditions, I would rate difficult. I base this on climbing Camelback mountain in Phoenix a week or so ago and that was rated double diamond "extremely difficult". You cannot snowshoe this. I was glad I didn't grab any and instead opted for my spikes. Saw many people wishing they had brought spikes.

I'm not a runner, was carrying medium pack (training for bigger climbs) and using sticks. Start was very cold and Packed snow. About half way it shifts to lots of ice and slush. Then on the westbound leg plenty of mud mixes in with ice. The final half miles gets a little steeper and there are a few 3-4' little scrambles that are a little precarious coming back down. The summit is great. Wonderful views and a couple places (rocks) to sit and cook a lunch. The estimate of 2.5hrs was spot on for me. Round trip from road (gate closed) was right at 5 miles with 2500' gained. Lots of people on the route today, but not overly crowded. Current weather is a little odd where higher elevations are warmer than the lower ones.

Always a great hike, even with 8”-12” of new snow. In winter months you’ll add 0.3 of a mile hiking up from the main road since the gate is locked until spring. Had the peak all to myself with amazing coral-like snow covered trees. Remember to hydrate in winter even though it’s cold and the sun goes down really early. Most of the hike will be shaded after 4:00 p.m.

Beginning of the hike had coverage, but the last half of the hike didn't have any and it got really hot. I would go early enough that you are able to get to the top before it gets hot (took us two hours up). Beautiful waterfalls and scenery along the trail and amazing views at the top.

The views while hiking were beautiful! I didn’t get to see the view from the peak because it was snowing and covered in clouds. Which was fun in and of itself, but I would like to see the view one day. I will be doing this hike again next Spring/Summer!

I am an avid hiker and the hike up took me 1 hour 20 minutes. The trail was marked and easy to follow. You may want to pay attention to the trail at the very top, once you start climbing rocks, I think that’s the only place you may get confused on the way back down.

Wow. This trail was like an emotional rollercoaster. We went from paved trail and waterfalls to hiking on dirt with beautiful fall leaves around us to super rocky terrain with epic views. We were about a quarter of a mile from the peak and saw a nice overlook to stop and rest with our 18-mo old (in carrier). It had 360 degree views and made us feel like we were at the peak and decided to go ahead and call it because we were beat. We will definitely do this hike again, but maybe without the kid.

Loved this hike!! Nice uphill and great workout. The views along the way are outstanding also!! Right now the leaves are stunning... get out there and try it in the next three weeks!! It's only going to get better!! And watch out for rattlesnakes..... there was a big one on the trail yesterday- he was super mad about something and rattled his tail at me for a while before he slid back into the scrub oak. Just be careful and enjoy it!!